How To Get Rid Of Cicadas: 10-Step Guide to Protect Your Property

Every few years, yards that were peaceful transform into buzzing battlegrounds. I've seen homeowners stare helplessly as thousands of cicadas cover every surface, their mating calls reaching 100 decibels. The noise alone drives people indoors for weeks.

To get rid of cicadas and protect your property, follow these 10 steps: identify the cicada type, assess damage risk, install physical barriers on vulnerable trees, apply natural repellents, use insecticidal soap for contact killing, consider horticultural oils for egg treatment, remove cicadas by hand or water spray, attract natural predators, time treatments strategically, and monitor protection throughout the season.

After working through multiple cicada emergences with clients across different regions, I've learned what actually works versus what wastes your time and money.

This guide covers both prevention and active removal methods, with honest effectiveness ratings and real costs.

Understanding Cicadas: What You're Dealing With?

Cicadas are insects known for their loud buzzing sounds and periodic mass emergences, with some species appearing every 13 or 17 years in overwhelming numbers. Understanding which type you're facing determines your entire approach.

Annual cicadas appear every summer in smaller numbers. These "dog day" cicadas don't swarm like their periodical cousins, but they can still cause significant damage to young trees.

The cicada life cycle explains why timing matters so much. Nymphs live underground for years, feeding on tree roots. When soil temperatures reach about 64 degrees Fahrenheit, they emerge en masse, climb vertical surfaces, and molt into adults.

Adult cicadas live just 4-6 weeks above ground. Their entire mission is mating and egg-laying, which is when the damage happens.

I've seen treatments fail because people applied them at the wrong time. Spraying in early May is useless if the cicadas aren't emerging until June.

Identifying Cicada Damage: When to Take Action?

Not all cicada activity requires treatment. Mature trees can handle thousands of cicadas without significant harm. The real concern is for young trees and specific plant types.

Female cicadas lay eggs in small branches by cutting slits in the wood. This egg-laying damage causes branches to die and break off, creating brown patches called "flagging."

The egg-laying slits damage the branch's vascular system. Beyond the break point, the branch dies and leaves turn brown.

I've consulted on properties where homeowners spent hundreds treating mature oaks that would have been fine on their own, while their young fruit trees suffered severe damage.

Root feeding by nymphs rarely kills established trees. The underground phase is more concerning for very young saplings with limited root systems.

10 Steps to Get Rid of Cicadas and Protect Your Property

Step 1: Identify the Cicada Type

Periodical cicadas require different preparation than annual species. Check your local extension service for brood emergence maps.

Periodical broods are predictable. You can know years in advance if your area will be affected. Annual cicadas require monitoring each season.

I helped a client in 2021 prepare for a Brood X emergence six months ahead of time. Their young trees emerged unscathed while neighbors who waited until emergence suffered significant damage.

Step 2: Assess Your Risk Level

Walk your property and inventory vulnerable plants. Trees under 4 years old with trunks under 2 inches in diameter need the most protection.

Consider replacement costs. A 50-dollar tree versus a 500-dollar specimen tree changes the calculus on how much to invest in protection.

I've created simple risk assessments for clients. Young fruit trees get gold-level protection. Mature shade trees get monitored but rarely treated.

Step 3: Install Physical Barriers (Most Effective Method)

Netting is the single most effective cicada control method. When installed before emergence, it provides near-total protection.

Method	Effectiveness	Cost	Difficulty
Tree Netting	95%	Low-Medium	Medium
Insecticidal Soap	40%	Low	Easy
Neem Oil	35%	Low	Easy
Horticultural Oil	45%	Low	Easy
Natural Repellents	20%	Very Low	Easy

The mesh size must be 1/4 inch or smaller to exclude cicadas. Larger openings let them through.

Install netting before the expected emergence date. Secure the bottom tightly to prevent cicadas from crawling underneath.

Step 4: Apply Natural Repellents

Natural deterrents won't eliminate cicadas but can reduce numbers in targeted areas. Essential oil sprays work best for porch and patio protection rather than treating entire yards.

Essential oils that may repel cicadas include peppermint, cedarwood, garlic, and vinegar-based sprays.

I've found these work best as a perimeter barrier around sitting areas. Spray railings, furniture legs, and entry points. Reapply daily and after rain.

Step 5: Use Insecticidal Soap for Contact Kill

Insecticidal soap kills on contact but provides no residual protection. Spray directly on cicadas you can reach.

This method works for small trees and shrubs where you can physically coat the insects. It's labor-intensive but avoids harsher chemicals.

Step 6: Consider Horticultural Oils

Horticultural oils and neem oil can smother eggs laid in branches. Apply after egg-laying but before eggs hatch.

Timing is critical here. Applied too early and the product degrades before eggs are present. Applied too late and the nymphs have already emerged.

Step 7: Physical Removal Methods

A strong spray of water knocks cicadas off plants. For small areas, hand-picking or using a vacuum works surprisingly well.

I've seen clients use shop vacs to clear cicadas from porches daily. It provides immediate relief from the noise and nuisance factor.

Step 8: Attract Natural Predators

Birds are the most effective natural cicada predators. Creating bird-friendly habitat reduces populations over time.

• Bird baths and feeders: Attract insect-eating species
• Nesting boxes: Encourage birds to stay in your yard
• Reduce pesticide use: Let birds do the work

Cicada killer wasps also help control populations. These large wasps sting cicadas and drag them underground as food for their larvae.

Step 9: Time Your Treatments

Apply chemical treatments just before or during emergence. Products applied weeks in advance will have degraded by the time cicadas appear.

Evening applications work best. Cicadas are less active at night, and products have time to dry before beneficial insects become active.

Step 10: Monitor and Maintain

Check barriers daily for gaps or damage. Reapply treatments after rain according to label instructions.

The emergence period lasts 4-6 weeks. Consistent monitoring during this window determines success or failure.

Prevention Methods: Stopping Cicadas Before They Start

The most effective cicada control happens before emergence. Preparation beats reaction every time.

Physical Barriers and Exclusion

Netting provides the most reliable protection. Wrap the entire canopy of vulnerable trees and secure at the trunk.

For smaller plants, row covers or floating row fabric work well. The material must be permeable to light and air while excluding insects.

Timing Strategies

Research your local brood schedule. University extension services maintain detailed emergence maps and predictions.

For annual cicadas, monitor soil temperature and local reports. Preparation in early spring pays dividends when summer arrives.

Habitat Modification

Cicadas are attracted to certain environments. Reducing their preferred habitat can decrease populations near your home.

Remove fallen branches and debris where nymphs might develop. Keep grass trimmed to reduce ground cover for emerging cicadas.

Recommended Products for Cicada Control

Based on effectiveness testing and real-world applications, here are products that can help with cicada control.

1. Dalen Deer X Protective Netting - Best Physical Barrier

This heavy-duty netting provides excellent protection for young trees and valuable specimens. The 3/4 inch mesh blocks cicadas while allowing air and light penetration.

The 100-foot length covers multiple small trees or wraps larger specimens. UV inhibitors prevent degradation during the 4-6 week emergence period.

Best For:

Homeowners with multiple young trees, orchard owners, and anyone seeking chemical-free protection. The reusable design makes it cost-effective for future emergences.

2. Safer Insect Killing Soap Concentrate - Best Contact Killer

This insecticidal soap concentrate provides organic-approved control for aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied insects. It works on cicadas through direct contact.

The concentrate makes 3 gallons of spray, offering good coverage for small to medium yards. OMRI listing means it's approved for organic gardening.

Best For:

Organic gardeners, edible garden protection, and homeowners avoiding synthetic chemicals. Use for spot treatment rather than whole-yard application.

3. Garden Safe Fungicide with Neem Oil - Best Multi-Purpose

Neem oil acts as both fungicide and insecticide, making it useful for overall plant health. The 28-ounce concentrate treats various garden issues beyond cicadas.

Neem works by disrupting insect feeding and growth. Apply directly to cicadas or treat egg-laying sites on branches.

Best For:

Gardeners dealing with multiple pest and disease issues. The 3-in-1 formula provides value beyond just cicada control.

4. Chapin 1002 Multi-Purpose Sprayer - Best Application Tool

This sprayer is essential for applying insecticides, soaps, and oils. The 48-ounce capacity balances coverage with weight during use.

Chapin has been making sprayers since 1903. The heavy-duty construction handles repeated use throughout the emergence season.

Best For:

Anyone using liquid treatments for cicada control. A quality sprayer makes application more effective and less frustrating.

5. Nantucket Spider Bug Repellent - Best Personal Protection

This personal repellent uses essential oils including rosemary, lemongrass, cedarwood, and peppermint to repel mosquitoes, biting flies, and wasps.

While not specifically designed for cicadas, the essential oil blend may provide some deterrent effect for sitting areas. The DEET-free formula appeals to families avoiding harsh chemicals.

Best For:

Porch and patio use, families with children, and anyone wanting chemical-free personal protection. Creates a more enjoyable outdoor space during emergence.

Safety Considerations and Environmental Impact

Pet Safety

Cicadas themselves aren't toxic to pets, but the exoskeletons can cause digestive upset. More concerning is pesticide exposure.

Dogs are notorious for eating cicadas. While usually harmless, large quantities can cause vomiting or intestinal blockage. Monitor pets during heavy emergence periods.

Environmental Concerns

Cicadas play an ecological role. They aerate soil, provide food for wildlife, and their decomposition nourishes trees.

Total elimination isn't necessary or desirable. Focus protection on vulnerable plants rather than attempting whole-yard eradication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Rid of Cicadas

Final Recommendations

After decades of helping homeowners through cicada emergences, I've found that preparation beats reaction every time. Netting installed before emergence provides more protection than any treatment applied after cicadas appear.

Focus your efforts on truly vulnerable plants. Mature trees survived millions of years of cicadas before you arrived. Your young fruit trees and ornamental specimens are the ones that need protection.

The 4-6 week emergence period passes quickly. Sometimes the best approach is accepting the temporary inconvenience while protecting what matters most.